Effects of Online Learning on College Students in Eastern China: A Structural Equation Model

Abstract

With the spread of COVID-19 worldwide, online education is rapidly catching on, even in some underdeveloped countries and regions. Based on Bandura's ternary learning theory and literature review, this paper takes online learning of college students as the research object and conducts an empirical survey on 6,000 college students in East China. Based on literature review and factor analysis and structural equation model, this paper discusses the relationship among learning cognition, learning behavior, and learning environment in online learning of college students. The learning behavior includes interactive communication, self-discipline mechanism, classroom learning, and study after class. The learning environment includes teaching ability, knowledge system, platform support, process control, and result evaluation; learning cognition includes learning motivation, information perception, and adaptability. It is found that the learning environment has a significant positive impact on learning behavior, and learning cognition has a significant positive impact on learning behavior. It is uncertain whether the learning environment significantly impacts learning cognition. At the learning environment level, the teaching ability (0.59) has the most significant impact on the learning environment, followed by result evaluation (0.42), platform support (0.40), process control (0.33), and knowledge system (0.13). In terms of the influence on learning behavior, classroom learning has the most significant impact (0.79), followed by self-discipline mechanism (0.65), study after class (0.54), and interactive communication (0.44). In terms of learning cognition, information perception (0.62) has the most significant influence, followed by learning motivation (0.50) and adaptability (0.41). This paper suggests strengthening the construction of platforms and digital resources to create a more competitive learning environment. Improve process management and personalized online services, constantly stimulate students' enthusiasm for independent online learning, and cultivate students' online independent learning ability to promote the sustainable and healthy development of online education.

University students’ experience of online space while engaging in synchronous learning via videoconferencing amidst the pandemic

“…Learners’ experiences of online learning differ from those of face-to-face learning mainly due to a fundamental difference in the learning environment where learning takes place. Hence, previous studies on online learning have focused on the online learning environment that included factors such as the teacher’s teaching ability, curriculum design, and network support ( Zhu et al, 2022 ), as well as the learning situation, learning activities, and teaching design ( Pan, 2022 ). Specifically, Zhu et al (2022) investigated the relationships among learning behavior, learning cognition, and learning environment in an online setting and found that the online learning environment positively impacted online learning behavior.…”

“…Hence, previous studies on online learning have focused on the online learning environment that included factors such as the teacher’s teaching ability, curriculum design, and network support ( Zhu et al, 2022 ), as well as the learning situation, learning activities, and teaching design ( Pan, 2022 ). Specifically, Zhu et al (2022) investigated the relationships among learning behavior, learning cognition, and learning environment in an online setting and found that the online learning environment positively impacted online learning behavior. Pan (2022) also examined the online environment as one of the factors that has a positive influence on learners’ empowerment.…”

Teaching Mathematics Through Online at the University Level: An Ethnographic Inquiry

“…Also, the teachers may utilize the same opportunities for strengthening their concepts and ideas (Kokemuller & Media, 2014). A study conducted by a group of researchers (Zhu et. al., 2022) in the topic 'effect of online teaching at the university level' among 6000 college students concluded with various significant findings including online classes cultivate students' self-learning capacity, motivate to be an independent learner, helps to reach the authentic sources of information and so on.…”

“…Another study conducted by Sukie (2019) identified that students are easily motivated to copy and paste for completing their assignments if they are more familiar with online sources. According to Zhu et. al.…”

New era of medical education: asynchronous and synchronous online teaching during and after COVID-19

“…Recorded teaching is another commonly used method, where teaching content is created in the form of microcourses, microanimations, and other digital resources, providing students with the flexibility to learn at any time and from anywhere without the constraints of time and space ( 36 , 37 ). However, the virtual learning environment requires more self-discipline and initiative from students ( 38 , 39 ). The lack of classroom atmosphere and real-time teacher guidance may make students’ learning effectiveness somewhat affected ( 40 ).…”